Özersay: “We are deeply sorrowed by the plight of the Palestinian people”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kudret Özersay attended the Preparatory Meeting of Foreign Ministers for the Extraordinary Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

‘’THE ATROCITIES PERPETRATED AGAINST THE PALESTINE PEOPLE MUST BE STOPPED’’

During his speech at the Preparatory Meeting of Foreign Ministers, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kudret Özersay conveyed his condolences to the people of Palestine and continued by expressing gratitude to the host country Turkey, which holds the term presidency of the OIC Summit, for its invitation and for taking initiative on this issue.

Özersay stated that as a first step, the aim of the OIC will be to take concrete measures to lower tension in the region and to stop the atrocities being perpetrated against the people of Palestine. Özersay then continued by stating that it is one of the main tasks of the OIC to be able to make the UN and other international actors react on this matter.

“THE SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS OF THE UN AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS DO NOT INSTILL TRUST”

Özersay continued by stating that “as a member of the Turkish Cypriot Peoples, who for many years experienced similar tragedies, and in my capacity as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Cypriot State – an observer member of the OIC – I would like to express that we are deeply sorrowed by and can relate to the plight of the Palestinian people, and the fact that the atrocities taking place in Palestine can occur even in the 21st Century, has shown, once again, that the UN Security Council is able to turn a blind eye to such acts and that international organizations tasked with ensuring security cannot prevent these tragedies.”

Özersay stressed the legitimacy behind the insistence of the Turkish Cypriot People for a guarantee system protecting their safety – a necessity which has once again been confirmed with these recent developments.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Özersay concluded his words by emphasizing that as an observer member of the OIC, we stand in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and are ready to offer all the support that is necessary towards their rightful cause.

At the meeting, work was also conducted on a draft final communique to be decided at the Extraordinary Summit regarding the grave incidents which took place in the Palestinian State.

Throughout the Islamic Summit, Özersay accompanied President Mustafa Akıncı.